Thomas Paul Crook

Thomas Paul "Tommy" Crook, a revered American guitarist celebrated for his distinctive fingerstyle technique and profound contributions to bluegrass, country, and jazz music, passed away on February 4, 2026, at the age of 81. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on February 16, 1944, Crook's musical journey began at an exceptionally young age, setting the stage for a career that would span over seven decades and leave an indelible mark on the music world.

Crook's prodigious talent was evident early on; he started playing guitar at four and was performing on local Tulsa television by the age of ten. By eleven, he was a featured solo act on Porter Wagoner's touring show and a regular on television programs hosted by country legends Hank Thompson and Leon McAuliffe. His unique approach to the instrument, which included replacing the lower two strings of his Gibson Switchmaster with bass strings to achieve a "one-man-band" sound, earned him widespread admiration among peers and fans alike.

Throughout his illustrious career, Tommy Crook collaborated with a pantheon of musical greats, including J.J. Cale, Chet Atkins, Merle Haggard, and Leon Russell. His artistry was so highly regarded that Chet Atkins, a guitar icon himself, famously lauded Crook on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, proclaiming him one of the finest guitar players he had ever heard. Crook's discography includes notable albums such as "Mr. Guitar and Mr. Drums" (1968) and his self-titled "Tommy Crook" (1989), alongside instructional and performance DVDs.

In recognition of his significant impact on Oklahoma's musical heritage, Crook was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2007. He remained an active and cherished figure in the Tulsa music scene for decades, preferring to stay close to home while influencing countless musicians with his innovative style and deep musicality. His passing is a profound loss to the music community, but his legacy as a master guitarist will continue to inspire future generations.

Tommy Crook is survived by his three children, Aimee L. Crook, Thomas H. Crook, and Kaycie Crook, and his grandchild. He will be remembered not only for his extraordinary talent but also for his humble demeanor and unwavering dedication to his craft.